University of Memphis football team gains speed, depth with recruiting class

University of Memphis football coach Justin Fuente discussed the 2013 University of Memphis recruiting class in the Anfernee 'Penny' Hardaway Athletic Hall of Fame assembly room at the University of Memphis.

For University of Memphis football coach Justin Fuente, it became a priority several games into last season — his first — at the U of M.

A former co-offensive coordinator at TCU, Fuente stood on the sidelines and watched as Middle Tennessee's skill players literally ran past his during a 48-30 MTSU victory. So if speed wasn't a priority before that mid-September loss, it was immediately afterward.

Wednesday, Fuente took a step toward addressing that need, and several other shortcomings, in announcing his 2013 signing class. It featured not only an upgrade in speed but added depth at running back, defensive back, linebacker and on the offensive line.

Fuente said the offense will benefit from increased speed at running back and receiver. Running back Marquis Warford of San Antonio James Madison High and receiver Joe Craig, a junior college signee and ex-Clemson player, will provide an immediate boost.

"Joe can fly," Fuente said. "We just addressed the skill positions in general and said we have to get faster. There were too many times when I was standing on the sideline and we were insufficient at the skill positions from a speed aspect."

Fuente also targeted depth, particularly at running back. He added four — Robert Davis of Tampa (Fla.) Carrollwood Day High, Doroland Dorceus of Spring (Texas) High, Tearris Wallace of Bentonville (Ark.) High and Warford. Warford was the San Antonio area's offensive player of the year and, along with Dorceus, could be two of the marquee offensive signees in the class, along with Olive Branch's Sam Craft and Oklahoma prep quarterback Brayden Scott.

"We made it a pretty big emphasis to go out and sign some guys at the tailback position," Fuente said. "I'm excited about what (returning starter) Brandon Hayes did for us, but we need to continue to upgrade at that spot.

"If you look at the guys we brought in, they all have a different skill set. Some guys can do a little bit of everything, others are a little big bigger and more true tailback-type players."

Craft, whose father Ray played at the U of M, is expected to make an immediate impact. One of the more gifted athletes in the region, Craft passed for nearly 1,800 yards and rushed for nearly 1,000. He should get a look at slot receiver or in open space where he can be a threat.

"I see him playing the position (with the football in his hands), whatever position that is," Fuente said. "Where and what he does for us, we'll just see. I think he has a large skill set that (translates) well into what we'd like to become offensively."

Fuente said Craft, a quarterback and receiver at Olive Branch, could be used in a variety of positions, including "throwing the ball some."

Craft said signing the national letter of intent took "a lot off my chest; I just loved Memphis, so I just stayed committed and followed through."

As for Scott, he graduated in December from Sequoyah High in Tahlequah, Okla., about an hour's drive from Tulsa, and will go through spring practice, which begins later this month. He passed for more than 7,000 yards and 90 touchdowns in four seasons at Sequoyah High.

"He is a big kid, he has some strength, and he will become a big, strong quarterback," Fuente said. "But he's a guy who should be in high school now. I'm encouraged. He's done a good job in his time here. But there's just a big transition for Brayden and I'm looking forward to going about it slowly and developing it in the right way."